Description

9 OPENINGS
FULL-TIME/NON-PERMANENT
SCIENTIFIC TECHNICIAN 2

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species.

The Fish Program, Puget Sound Sampling Unit within the Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking to fill NINE (9) Scientific Technician 2 positions. We are seeking highly motivated and experienced field technicians to work alongside diverse teams while promoting the conservation of Washington State’s salmonid and marine fish populations. These opportunities are located in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom Counties and the anticipated appointment length is 2.5 months, starting June 24th and ending September 4th.

This posting will be used to fill multiple positions, it will remain open until all positions are filled. It would be advantageous to apply prior to June 8th, 2020 since the initial review of applications will begin on this day and the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the job at any time.

As a Scientific Technician 2, you will collect and summarize recreational salmon, marine fish, and shellfish catch and biological data from boat ramps and marinas in North Puget Sound in Marine Areas 6, 7, and 8-1. This includes obtaining stock composition, age structure, length and hatchery/natural-origin proportions. The Scientific Technician 2 position contributes to the WDFW mission by gathering and providing essential information/data that is needed in order to determine the status of the resource and to manage fisheries resources.

Our ideal applicants will have a positive can-do attitude as they collect/sample data. In addition, the candidate will share our values of trust, respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is eager to work hard and have fun in an environment where there’s never a dull moment.
Duties
KEY DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Sample recreational fisheries for salmon, and marine fish catch to determine catch per unit of effort and species composition, in order to obtain valid sport catch estimates for salmon and marine fish.
Collect salmon snouts for coded-wire tags (CWT) and as well as other biological data.
Properly implements interview procedures and sampling protocols, and accurately records data into appropriate data forms.
Observes, counts, and accurately identifies all salmon and marine fish species.
Sample all Coho and Chinook salmon with electronic CWT detection devices (wand or tunnel detectors).
Classify sort, and enumerate marked tagged, marked untagged, unmarked tagged, and unmarked untagged salmon.
Retrieve snouts with CWTs from Chinook and Coho to determine stock specific impacts for fisheries modeling.
Sample catch to obtain stock composition, age structure (scales), length information (legal & sublegal proportions), and hatchery/natural-origin proportions (mark-status).
Covid-19 safety protocols will be required to be followed while performing all duties with these positions. Some of the Covid-19 safety requirements will be health screen every day before work, mandatory social distancing and wearing a mask when interacting with public and staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Setting, including hazards:
Work is primarily conducted in the field, candidates may encounter adverse weather and sea conditions, slippery surfaces, noise, odors, confined spaces with fish blood/slime and biting/stinging insects.
Repetitive movements of hands, finger manipulations, long periods of sitting, squatting, walking, boating for angler interviews. Carrying, kneeling, heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs. unassisted) and moving containers of fish.
You will be required to clean and disinfect sampling gear and clothing frequently.
Schedule & Travel Requirements:
24/7 Non-Scheduled. Typically, 40 hours per week – 8 to 10 hours per day between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Weekend and evening work is required.
Traveling within the Puget Sound area with seldom overnight travel.
Customer Interactions:
Interact with the general public during data collection and provide basic information regarding fisheries resources as well as agency programs and activities.
Provide sport fishing regulatory information to the public. This includes contact with some individuals who may be angry, distraught or frustrated.
Liaison to regional supervisor on fishery violations observed in the field.
Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from high school/GED, including one year of high school science AND two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.
OR
Graduation from high school/GED including one year of high school science AND two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist. (College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes).
Experience:
Experience creel sampling fisheries in Puget Sound or a similar area.
Ability to identify all salmon species and common Puget Sound marine fish and shellfish species.
Familiar with salmon life history and sport fishing regulations.
Knowledge of commercial and sport fishing methods and gear.
Experience working with members of the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Washington State or other State Driver’s License.
Supplemental Information
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.

In order to successfully apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

A current resume
Three professional references

JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:

Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of professionalism, accountability, empathy, integrity, service, and respect.

UNION – WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
Subject line should include recruitment number, position and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE NOTICE:

To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:
Notify us of your military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
Subject line should include recruitment number, position and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications. Therefore; we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully. All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.

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